The Pittsburgh Steelers sent QB Coach Tom Arth to Fargo, North Dakota, to check out one of the 2026 NFL Draft’s top sleeper quarterbacks – Cole Payton. Pittsburgh is among 25 teams attending North Dakota State’s Thursday session with the Steelers sending at least two personnel members: area scout Jim Ward and Arth. Clearly, Payton is the reason why Arth made the trip.

A one-year starter, Payton is a unique athlete. With a blend of size and power, his playing style is similar to Josh Allen. Payton is also a left-handed quarterback, adding to his atypical nature. At the NFL Combine, Payton checked in at 6025, 232 pounds, and ran a 4.55 40-yard dash.

Serving as a Wildcat package quarterback for his first several seasons, Payton took control of the full-time role in 2025. He finished the year over 2,700 passing yards with 16 scores and four interceptions. As a runner, he tallied 777 yards and 13 more touchdowns. Pro Football Focus graded him highly, naming him its No. 1 FCS quarterback of the season. Payton was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, the FCS Heisman, but lost out to Youngstown State QB Beau Brungard.

For his career, Payton finished with more carries and rushing touchdowns (287 and 31) than he had pass attempts and passing scores (282 and 21). Our scouting report noted his easy arm strength and ability to make plays out of structure. Negatively, sloppy mechanics, inexperience, and a long snap-to-throw time work against him.

Our report concluded:

“Overall, Cole Payton possesses fun tape. In a year where the position isn’t strong, he stands out, and his physical tools might be the most interesting of anyone in 2026. But he’s such a projection that it’s hard to know if he’ll stay at quarterback. His high school coach once remarked Payton might become a future NFL linebacker or tight end. That still seems possible, though tight end is far more likely than linebacker. Heck, a switch to running back seems on the table given his background.”

And compared him to Tim Tebow, a similarly built, left-handed quarterback with plus rushing ability. Despite a possible position change, the Steelers seem to be evaluating Payton as a quarterback. If drafted, Payton would be a project, but his one year of experience allows for plenty of room to grow.

Payton’s draft stock is a little difficult to predict in a muddied quarterback class. If a team falls in love with his traits, it’s possible he is selected in the third round. More likely, he’ll hear his name called on Day 3.

Payton isn’t the only draft-worthy prospect working out. Wide receiver Bryce Lance might be the first Bison selected next month. The younger brother of QB Trey Lance, Bryce was on the receiving end of Payton’s passes during a strong 2025 campaign. He finished with 51 receptions for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. A big body, Lance measured in at 6033, 204 pounds at the NFL Combine and turned in great testing: a 4.34 40, 41.5-inch vertical, and 11’1″ broad jump.

Our full scouting report on Lance will publish Monday.